Personal Injury Law

Jury Awards $7 Million in Accutane Lawsuit

A jury recently awarded a 31 year old man $7 million in his products liability lawsuit against Swiss drug manufacturer Hoffman-La Roche. The lawsuit alleged that the drug-maker failed to warn consumers that using the acne drug Accutane could lead to serious gastrointestinal disease. After taking Accutane for nine years, the Plaintiff developed inflammatory bowel disease, which has prevented him from working full time for five years. The plaintiff, who had his diseased colon removed, also obtained settlements in medical malpractice suits against his doctor and medical center that prescribed the drug.

Accutane is a controversial acne drug that has been linked to depression, birth defects, suicidal tendencies, and psychological disorders. Currently, there are over 400 lawsuits pending against La Roche that blame Accutane for causing inflammatory bowel disease. Earlier this year, a jury awarded $2.62 million to a man who alleged the drug maker failed to warn Accutane may cause inflammatory bowel disease. To read the full story, click here.

Full post as published by Illinois Injury Lawyer Blog on November 17, 2008 (boomark / email).